News

SLHS Newsletter - Summer 2025

Brenda Baker — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 23:47:51 +0000

SLHS Newsletter - Summer 2025 Brenda Baker Fri, 09/12/2025 - 17:47

Welcome to Fall Semester!

Summer 2025 was filled with inspiring events, exciting research, student successes, and meaningful collaborations. We’re excited to share highlights from our department as we continue our work in teaching, research, and service in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, and to celebrate our community’s milestones, welcome new faces, and recognize the many accomplishments of the season.

New Faces

We recently added two new staff members:

Gabrielle Reimer – Manager of Finance and Business Operations.

Brenda Baker – Academic Program Coordinator.

Building Updates

Our new classroom, SLHS C230, is now open—renovated with updated, easy-to-operate audio/visual systems and designed to be a comfortable, clean learning space.

On the second floor, we replaced the drinking fountain with a water bottle filler. To comply with ADA regulations, we installed a new wall and relocated a locker. Work will be completed in the next couple of weeks.

Faculty and Student Highlights

Congratulations to Audra McCorkle, who has been named ASL Director in recognition of her leadership and expertise.

Don Bell-Souder successfully defended his dissertation, Electrically-evoked cortical auditory potentials: Validity, efficacy, and perception in cochlear implanted adults, on July 1, 2025. His mentor was Dr. Anu Sharma. We congratulate Dr. Bell-Souder on this outstanding achievement!

Warm congratulations to Dr. Allison Hilger and her family on welcoming their baby in April 2025!

Scholarships

Marilyn K. Johnson Scholarship: Anna Edmundson and Natalie Sesselmann.

Frank Morris Speech and Language Pathology Scholarship: Makayla Sileo and Kaprianna Morris-Lopez.

Colorado Diversity Initiative Fellowship: Alyssa Baca.

Dwight A. Hamilton Scottish Rite Foundation Graduate Scholarships: Sara Kurutz, Sophia Wonneberger, and Sarah Booth.

SLHS Graduate Students

This fall, SLHS welcomes 33 new graduate students:

20 MA-SLP students.

4 MA-SLP leveling students.

6 AuD students.

2 PhD students (Richy Hayes and Sarah Conrad).

We’re thrilled to share an overview of the exciting work happening across SLHS this summer—from new funding and publications to student achievements and community engagement. These highlights show the depth of our department’s impact in teaching, research, and service.

Research Presentations & Publications

Our recent MA-SLP graduate Caitlin Cain and Dr. Allison Hilger, along with Drew Mancini, published “Differential diagnostic patterns of acquired motor speech disorders in children: A preliminary investigation of four case studies” in the American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40523843/ Drew Mancini is an SLP at Children’s Hospital and a PhD student at CU Anschutz. He is teaching SLHS 5292 Motor Speech Disorder in the fall.

MA-SLP graduates Melanie Esver and Caitlin Cloud, with Dr. Allison Hilger and Dr. Christine Brennan, published “Revisiting the cerebellum’s linguistic role: Evidence for cerebellar involvement in expressive syntax” in Springer Nature in July 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12311-025-01879-y.

Former MA student Avery K. Allen, mentored by Dr. Christine Brennan, with co-authors Christina Riseman and Dr. Allison Hilger, published “Harnessing AI for aphasia: A case report on ChatGPT’s role in supporting written expression” in Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences on May 30, 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fresc.2025.1600145.

Recent MA-SLP graduate Collin Eagen’s thesis, The impacts of testosterone therapy beyond fundamental frequency in transmasculine voice: Vocal quality and fricative articulation, was accepted for publication in the Journal of Voice in July 2025. DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2025.06.005 Collin defended his thesis in spring 2024 under the mentorship of Dr. Christine Brennan, Dr. Allison Hilger, and Jen Walentas Lewon. He also presented the results of his study at the 2024 ASHA convention.

A paper based on the senior honors thesis of Emily Heneman Lee, mentored by Dr. Christine Brennan, was published in the Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education in September 2025. The article is titled “Differential benefits of syllable versus grapheme instruction for English-speaking adults learning to read words in Hangul.” DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40862-025-00348-7.

PhD student Richy Hayes and Dr. Pui Fong Kan published “The semantic depth of Japanese-English bilingual children” in Frontiers in Language Science. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/flang.2025.1601352.

MA-SLP student Natalie Sesselmann and PhD student Richy Hayes, mentored by Dr. Pui Fong Kan, presented their research “Examining Microstructure and Macrostructure Elements in Narratives of Japanese-English Bilingual Children,” at the International Symposium on Bilingualism in San Sebastián, Spain.

PhD student Richy Hayes, mentored by Dr. Pui Fong Kan, also presented their poster “The Semantic Depth of Japanese-English Bilingual Children” at the International Symposium on Bilingualism Conference.

Richy Hayes, mentored by Dr. Pui Fong Kan, presented his work, The Contribution of Semantic Depth and Language Input to Narrative Macrostructure in Japanese-English Bilingual Children at the Harmonious Bilingualism Network (HaBilNet) in San Sebastián, Spain, in June 2025.

Don Bell-Souder, with co-authors Chen Chen, Anthony Spahr, and Dr. Anu Sharma, presented “Stimulating and recording cortical potentials via cochlear implant” at the International Evoked Response Audiometry Study Group (IERASG) Biennial 29th Symposium in Boulder, CO, in June 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-79528-3

Kayla Cormier, with co-authors Carly Schimmel, Vinaya Manchaiah, and Dr. Anu Sharma, presented “Examining EEG correlates of tinnitus in mild to moderate hearing loss” at the International Evoked Response Audiometry Study Group (IERASG) Conference in Boulder, CO, in February 2025.

Carly Schimmel, with co-authors Kayla Cormier, Dr. Stephen Cass (Anschutz), and Dr. Anu Sharma, presented “Cortical evoked potentials in conductive and mixed hearing losses” at the International Evoked Response Audiometry Study Group (IERASG) Conference in Boulder, CO, in June 2025.

Dr. Anu Sharma gave two invited presentations on cochlear implants and participated in a roundtable at the European Symposium on Pediatric Cochlear Implantation in Hannover, Germany, in July 2025.

Dr. Anu Sharma gave a keynote presentation, “The rewiring brain: Cross-modal plasticity in hearing loss,” virtually at the Developmental Psychology Section of the German Society of Psychology Conference in Giessen, Germany, on September 2, 2025.

Grants & Funding

Dr. Christine Brennan was awarded a $15,000 catalyst grant by the Division of Social Sciences for her project, Exploring language in Smith-Magenis syndrome: The SMS Radio Project.

Dr. Christine Brennan and collaborator Nancy R. Lee, PhD (Drexel University), were awarded a $4,000 grant by Parents and Researchers Interested in Smith-Magenis Syndrome (PRISMS) for their project, Vocational activities and their cognitive-behavioral correlates in adults with Smith-Magenis syndrome.

Sherri Tennant and Dr. Christine Brennan received $24,000 for their AAC outreach project, Empowering economically disadvantaged adolescents with complex communication needs. This is the sixth year of funding from the Office for Public and Community-Engaged Scholarship (PACES).

Sherri Tennant was featured in an article titled “Opening conversations: Empowering youth with complex communication needs” in May 2025, highlighting her AAC outreach grant. /outreach/paces/2025/05/19/opening-conversations-empowering-youth-complex-communication-needs.

Dr. Allison Sedey presented a webinar sponsored by the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists, “Language outcomes of children who are deaf or hard of hearing – birth to 6 years of age: A review of the literature.” She also received contracts from CSDB and EHDI Colorado to document language outcomes of children birth–3 years.

PhD student Richy Hayes received funding from the Harmonious Bilingualism Network (HaBilNet) to attend a research symposium in San Sebastián, Spain, in June 2025.

Events & Workshops

This fall, the Child Learning Center (CLC) celebrated its 50th anniversary with alumni, families, faculty, staff, and friends. The celebration featured a special visit from founding director Elizabeth “Tikki” Heublein, heartfelt speeches reflecting on the center’s impact, and a slideshow highlighting five decades of memories. See the article, “Tucked in the heart of campus, CU Boulder's hidden gem turns 50.” Many thanks to LJ Werner, Liz Berube, Katie Miller, and the department volunteers for bringing this event to life.

ASL & Deaf Culture Workshops - Session 1: Audra McCorkle led training on clinically relevant signs, ASL gloss structure, and Deaf culture. Session 2: River Frank guided participants through storytelling, supporting Deaf children, and clinical considerations.

At the National Stuttering Association Conference on July 1, 2025, Ryan Pollard delivered an invited presentation, “IEP goal writing strategies,” in Denver.

SLHS hosted the International Evoked Response Audiometry Study Group Symposium (IERASG) in June. Graduate audiology students Evan Watt, Ana Sanchez, and Ann Ross volunteered. Evan assisted in a hands-on demo by renowned researcher Lisa Hunter and impressively achieved a perfect tympanometry seal on his first attempt.

Leadership AuD student Chloe Tierney visited Washington, D.C., as part of the SAA National Board, advocating for the Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act.

Community Impact - Undergraduates William Randall, Kaleb Vardon, and Gemma Gallucci volunteered at the Denver Ataxia Walk n’ Roll, raising $10,000 for research.

Language Access - In June and July, graduate AuD students completed the Spanish Audiology Learning Community with Audiology en Español, strengthening bilingual service delivery. Facilitated by Alejandra Ullauri, this work expands access to high-quality audiology services for the Latino community.

This summer in SLHS was full of energy, from welcoming new staff and graduate students to celebrating the CLC’s 50th anniversary. Our faculty, students, and alumni made an impact through research, publications, and community service, while also earning awards, grants, and scholarships. As we step into fall, we’re excited to carry this momentum forward in teaching, research, and service.

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Karen Boyd speaks about two of her studies on American Sign Language (ASL)

Anonymous — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 21:54:09 +0000

Karen Boyd speaks about two of her studies on American Sign Language (ASL) Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 01/22/2024 - 14:54

Karen Boyd, an instructor in our Speech Language and Hearing Science Department spoke

about her research, using both sides of brain to speak American Sign Language at a talk on Thursday evening. Her research focuses on the second-language learning perceptions of spatial tracing construction in ASL and the use of pauses in both spoken English and ASL. Her recent talk highlighted the fact that while those who use spoken English use their right hemisphere every day when speaking so do those who use ASL, but they do so differently when signing every day.

Karen Boyd, an instructor in our Speech Language and Hearing Science Department spoke about her research at a talk on Thursday evening.

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Tanvir Kalam recognized at ASHA Conference in Boston

Anonymous — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 23:06:17 +0000

Tanvir Kalam recognized at ASHA Conference in Boston Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 12/01/2023 - 16:06

Tanvir Kalam, a second year MA-SLP student, was one of the Minority Student Leadership Program's (MSLP) award recipients at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Tanvir Kalam, a second year MA-SLP student, was one of the Minority Student Leadership Program's (MSLP) award recipients at the American Speech-Language-Hearing AssociationConference in Boston, MA. The MSLP is a leadership development program whose purpose is to provide focused educational programming and activities to build and enhance leadership skills to minorities that have been historically under-represented in the professions of audiology and speech-language pathology. Additionally, the program aims to provide an opportunity for program participants to interact with leaders in the profession of audiology and speech-language pathology.

When asked what the MSLP taught him Tanvir states that "It taught me about the pivotal role of advocacy and policy-implementation in healthcare. It was also a great networking event where I met professionals from all across the nation. I have the privilege of attending discussion where leaders in the field tackled some of the most pressing issues facing the profession". Regarding how this experience will help Tanvir in his provisional career, he states "attending the MSLP will help in my professional career because of the networking it provides".

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Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center - Claire Ducatte

Anonymous — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 20:59:11 +0000

Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center - Claire Ducatte Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 11/10/2023 - 13:59

Where are you placed this year?

I am currently at Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center in Aurora, CO

Describe your "typical" day (or lack of "typical" day)

I work with Vets Monday through Friday every week. Most days of the week I am providing
hearing tests, hearing aid fittings/checks, or tinnitus appointments/group sessions (gaining lots of
cerumen removal experience too!). Right now I am also doing vestibular testing each week which
is interesting. Before my vestib rotation, I was in a telehealth rotation for the first part of the
summer. After vestib, I will begin my CI rotation. I am grateful to be getting experience in all of the
things that interest me!

What's something important that you've learned at your placement so far?

Taking a moment to reassess/evaluate the "big picture" is okay! As a student, I'm not expected to
know all the answers, so providing the best care to a patient then and there is my priority.

Any words of wisdom?

Be flexible when you are at your externship! Things do not always go according to schedule, and
it's good to be able to just go with the flow when things are out of your control.

Claire Ducatte is a 4th year AuD student currently doing her externship at the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center in Aurora, CO.

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Courtney Connolly - Denver Health

Anonymous — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 20:39:50 +0000

Courtney Connolly - Denver Health Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 11/10/2023 - 13:39

Where are you placed this year?

I am currently placed at Denver Health

Describe your "typical" day (or lack of "typical" day)

I work five days a week, and each day is split into half days. So one day I could be seeing infants and
pediatrics in the morning for diagnostics, and adult hearing aids in the afternoon. During any given week, I typically see a mix of diagnostic audios for peds and adults, adult hearing aid fitting appointments and follow up appointments, ENT clinic, and VNG appointments. Some
weeks I am in the OR completing sedated ABRs or intraoperative monitoring.

What's something important that you've learned at your placement so far?

Denver Health works with a lot of patients from different cultural backgrounds who speak languages other than English. I have learned very quickly to feel comfortable using interpreters almost daily, and conveying information efficiently and in a way that doesn't use a lot of
audiology jargon. The practice of using interpreters and working with different cultures has been great and really makes you think outside of the box on how to explain results in a way that would make sense.

Any words of wisdom?

You are still a student during your fourth year, take advantage of it! You are not expected to know all of the things. Be open to doing things differently than how you were taught the past few years, whether that be the flow of appointments, or testing protocols. I think this is especially true if you are working on a big team of audiologists - so many different brains to pick about all things audiology and all with different backgrounds (educational, private practice, medical, etc). A lot of preceptors encourage you to try out different things, keep what you like, and not what you don't like! And lastly, your fourth year is only one year, choose a placement that fits your needs and what you are interested in learning more about while you are still a student!

Courtney Connolly is a 4th year AuD student currently placed at Denver Health in Denver, Colorado.

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Dr. Barbara Bell-Lehmkuhler recognized at the Colorado Academy of Audiology Conference

Anonymous — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 17:47:05 +0000

Dr. Barbara Bell-Lehmkuhler recognized at the Colorado Academy of Audiology Conference Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 11/09/2023 - 10:47

During the 2023 Colorado Academy of Audiology Conference in Colorado Springs one of our faculty members was recognized for their dedication and devotion to the field and study of audiology. Dr. Barbara Bell-Lehmkuhler (pictured right), an affiliate faculty in SLHS, was awarded the R. Steven Ackley Educator Award. The R. Steven Ackley Educators Award is given in memory of Dr. Ackley, an audiology professor remembered for the ways in which he fostered student-centered teaching practices, high expectations, humor, humanitarian ideals, and life-long learning into the classroom. The award is given to an outstanding professor in the field of Audiology that exemplifies Dr. Ackley's student-centered approach to teaching and mentoring the next generation of clinicians.

The SLHS department congratulates Dr. Barbara Bell-Lehmkuhler for her accomplishment!

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SLHS Diversity Committee Presents: Bilinguals, Silent Period, & Selective Mutism

Anonymous — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 17:31:03 +0000

SLHS Diversity Committee Presents: Bilinguals, Silent Period, & Selective Mutism Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 11/03/2023 - 11:31

The SLHS Diversity Committee invites you to a workshop by Molly Fillippni: Bilinguals, Silent Period, & Selective Mutism.

Time: November 29, 2023 9:05-10:30 AM
Location: SLHS Building Room 230

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Laura Howard - Worth Hearing Center

Anonymous — Sat, 18 Feb 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Laura Howard - Worth Hearing Center Anonymous (not verified) Sat, 02/18/2023 - 00:00

Where are you placed this year?

I am currently placed at Worth Hearing Center, which is a private practice in Albuquerque, NM. I love it here!

Describe your "typical" day (or lack of "typical" day)

A typical day for me means a variety of things. I do hearing evaluations for people scheduled to see ENT, hearing aid appointments (consultations, fittings, adjustments, problems, clean and checks, etc.), cerumen removal (my new favorite thing!), and I've recently started doing more VNG appointments a few days per week.

What's something important that you've learned at your placement so far?

Something that I've learned in my externship so far is that while being knowledgeable about hearing aids and being able to answer questions that patients have is important, being able to connect with your patients have is important, being able to connect with your patients have is important, being able to connect with your patients on a personal level is really what makes the differences. Also, if you don't know the answer to a question- it's okay! Patients really appreciate transparency, especially when their clinician is a student. Your time in the AuD program goes by incredibly fast, including the externship year, so soak up everything that you can and don't be afraid to make mistakes. Feel Free to contact me anytime about anything - I'm always happy to chat!
Email: laura.howard@colorado.edu

Laura Howard is a 4th Year AuD student currently doing her externship at Worth Hearing Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

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Emily Lee - Greater Los Angeles Veterans Affair (VA) Medical Center

Anonymous — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 18:22:50 +0000

Emily Lee - Greater Los Angeles Veterans Affair (VA) Medical Center Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 02/16/2023 - 11:22

Where are you placed this year?

I am placed at the Greater Los Angeles Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center.

Describe your "typical" day (or lack of "typical" day)

I rotate through 3 different VA locations in the Los Angeles area. My typical day beings at 7am- I come in to prepare for my patient load that day until I see my first patient at 7:30am. I start my mornings with audiologic evaluations which are scheduled for 1-hour each (so nice!). The VA has a pretty thorough testing protocol for new patients (otoscopy, tymps,diagnostic reflexes, pure tones air and bone, tone decay or reflex decay, speech SRT & WRS, speech in noise testing (WIN or QuickSIN), performing the HHIE, then ordering hearing aids and taking earmold impressions if warranted). I also do hearing aid or BAHA fittings in the mornings. My Tuesday afternoons include vestibular evaluations, Thursday afternoons I'm leading a group Progressive Tinnitus Management (PTM) class virtually , and Friday afternoons I do Central Auditory Processing evaluations (CAPD). My day everyday finished up at 3:30pm.

What's something important that you've learned at your placement so far?

I've learned a great deal about counseling at my placement. I have such a heart for counseling and I did not realize how much room I had to grow and improve my counseling skills until I saw some of my preceptors with our veterans, they're truly amazing. I'm learning how to see patients through a more person-centered lens, modifying everything from the appointment to how I communicate and compose myself based on what the veteran or their families show me that they need. I'm beginning to learn how to steer away from "checking off" MY list of what I need to complete during the appointment to really studying the veteran, learning their learning style and learning barriers, and thinking to myself throughout the appointment what is most important to them and how can I follow up to ensure they receive the quality of service necessary to be successful or have improved quality of life through the management of their hearing loss journey.

Emily Lee is currently a 4th Year AuD student currently doing her externship at the Greater Los Angeles Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center.

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Peyton Mills - Rocky Mountain Ear Center and Cochlear Americas

Anonymous — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 18:01:30 +0000

Peyton Mills - Rocky Mountain Ear Center and Cochlear Americas Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 02/16/2023 - 11:01

Where are you placed this year?

I am doing a hybrid externship with Rocky Mountain Ear Center and Cochlear Americas. Three days of the week I am at RMEC, which is an ENT practice in Englewood, CO that sees patients for hearing test, hearing aid appointments, Baha and Osia appointments, vestibular testing, ABR, and cochlear implant appointments. The other two days I work for Cochlear in the patient/provider support division and assist with some of their ongoing research project.

Describe your "typical" day (or lack of "typical" day)

When I am seeing patients at RMEC I am either on the clinic/hearing aid side or the CI side and my days are usually pretty busy. When working on the clinic/hearing aid side, I see patient's half of the day for hearing evaluations, fittings, and checks, plus I regularly see patients for Baha and Osia appointments as well. Some days we have patients come in for vestibular testing. The second half of the day I perform audiometric testing on patients before they see the ENT. This part of the day is usually a bit hectic as we only have 15 minutes to do pure tone audiometry, sometimes including bone conduction and tympanometry.

What's something important that you've learned at your placement so far?

I think more than anything I've learned to be graceful to myself when I don't know things, but also to be bold enough to try everything anyway.

Peyton Mills is currently a 4th Year AuD student currently doing her externship at Rocky Mountain Ear Center and Cochlear Americas.

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